With remarkable landmarks, astonishing presentations of the arts, and exquisite dining options, the capital of Colorado is a one-of-a-kind city. Denver is a city where people from all over the nation come to begin a vibrant new life. With annual events like the Denver Greek Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festival, this city aims to celebrate cultures from all over the world. Even with all of the exciting things to do in Denver, the city is unfortunately struggling with a rise in opioid and substance use.

In 1999, 108 people in Denver died from an opioid-related overdose, but that number skyrocketed to 442 in 2016.  In the first four months of 2017, police responded to 44 calls related to overdoses in Denver alone. While some of these opioids were illegal substances, prescription opioids like hydrocodone played a large role in the more recent overdose rates. Some patients become dependent on opioids after being prescribed pharmaceuticals by their doctors for legitimate medical concerns, such as chronic or severe pain.

With the loss of so many lives due to overdose each year, it is becoming increasingly difficult to end the epidemic. The increase in opioid deaths clearly shows a need for accessible treatment for Colorado residents. As a large city, Denver has a lot to manage in terms of drug and substance abuse problems and associated crime. Furthermore, Denver alcohol rehab programs are crucial in addressing the widespread issue of alcohol addiction that often goes hand-in-hand with opioid abuse.

Our Closest Facility:
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake Drug & Alcohol Rehab
443 S. Hwy 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
(719) 602-0914

Finding Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Denver, CO

Denver, Colorado Alcohol Rehab Centers and Drug Centers

While about 22.5 million Americans misuse illicit drugs or alcohol, only a small number of those people receive treatment. Yet, studies have shown such treatment, followed by regular attendance at 12-step or other fellowship meetings, can result in long-term sobriety for many patients. To be effective, treatment should address the unique problems of the individual, who may have other health problems in addition to the addiction. Treating the whole patient is the best solution. To determine the best course, talk about your options with an expert.

Residential Treatment Programs

When you’re ready to take the first steps toward sobriety, a residential treatment program often is the ideal way to treat the whole patient and all his or her health needs. Residential treatment is a full-time immersive experience in which the patient’s medical, psychological and behavioral needs receive care, as the patient receives constant monitoring. It’s most effective when treatment is at least three months long, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and it may last as long as 27 months. Treatment may include medications that ease the patient off the illicit drugs or help with other problems such as anxiety or depression. Behavioral or motivational therapy, as well as family or marriage therapy, may be in an individual or group setting. Other medical needs such as malnutrition resulting from the addiction will also receive care, and the patient undergoes monitoring to help lessen the chances of a relapse.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

For some patients, partial hospitalization may be a more cost-effective or time-conscious solution. Instead of living full-time at the treatment facility, the patient goes to treatment for six or more hours a day to receive similar drug counseling, medical attention and cognitive or behavioral therapy to what he or she would encounter during full hospitalization. It costs less since the patient isn’t living at the facility, and it allows some time for school or work. If the patient has good support at home that encourages sobriety, this can be an effective option.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

In a third treatment consideration, patients live in their homes, with time for work or school, and have regularly scheduled medical and counseling sessions for drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as individual and group sessions and strategies (both medical and psychological) for staying sober are a part of outpatient treatment as well. For patients who have support to monitor them for misuse, and who need the flexibility and a less costly approach, outpatient treatment can be the ideal choice.

Whichever treatment course is best for the individual patient, it can be the start to a new, healthier life of sobriety, especially when followed up by recovery meetings. If you’re ready to make the first brave step toward a life free from misuse, know that your journey may begin with detoxification for drugs or alcohol. Reach out to a rehab center to learn more.

Detox Centers in Denver

There are several drug detox centers in Denver, but the most appropriate for you may in fact be elsewhere, perhaps at a national facility. Detox will include medically supervised withdrawal, which is different for each drug and can be physically as well as emotionally taxing. Patients should not attempt detox without medical supervision. In addition to cravings, symptoms might include fatigue, insomnia and anxiety, nausea and sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure and the tremors (DTs) for which alcohol withdrawal is famous. During detox, medical professionals may prescribe drugs to ease symptoms, supervise your vital signs and offer therapy to help with psychological changes brought on by stopping the drugs or alcohol. Herbal teas and broth may help with dehydration, and the patient’s nutrition receives care with vitamins and minerals. Once detoxification is complete, the patient moves on to a more complete treatment program with the goal of continued abstinence.

Local Recovery Meetings Near Denver

Attending recovery meetings after treatment can be beneficial to recovery. These meetings provide ongoing support and additional skills that can be taught for those who are overcoming their addiction. From Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART) programs, these meetings take place across the United States and are open to anyone who would like to attend. They are free, non-denominational and effective for many people. Choosing which one to attend depends on personal preferences and which program best relates to your current situation.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings in Denver

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are designed to help with alcohol sobriety. The group setting gives recovering alcoholics the chance to share their stories and relate to others. Discussions at the meetings offer new information and constant reminders of how to continue a life of sobriety. Being around like-minded people on a regular basis helps many individuals stay focused on the future and avoid old habits. The supportive nature of AA, as well as its spirituality based teachings, have helped countless people regain their foothold on life.

York Street Club
1311 York St.
Denver, CO 80206

Denver AA
1865 S. Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80210

Salvation Army
4751 N. Broadway
Denver, CO 80216

Learn More About AA Meetings in Colorado

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings in Denver

If you’re battling a narcotics addiction rather than an alcohol addiction, NA meetings might be the right choice for you. These meetings help individuals with addictions to various kinds of drugs, including pharmaceuticals. They aim to empower those in recovery and help spread awareness. Individuals are also taught how to relate to their past addictions, which in turn helps them maintain their sobriety.

Sobriety House
121 Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80223

Community Alcohol & Drug Rehab
3315 Gilpin St.
Denver, CO 80205

Christ Community Church
8085 E. Hampden Ave.
Denver, CO 80231

Learn More About NA Meetings in Colorado

SMART Recovery Meetings in Denver

While AA and NA base their programs on receiving comfort and motivation from the people surrounding an individual, SMART Recovery is based on scientific research. The approach often speaks to a different audience, so if AA or NA don’t appeal to you, SMART may be a good option. The concept offers its own tenets to help those struggling with an addiction to understand their issues and give them the tools they need to move forward.

DuPont Counseling Services
12101 East 2nd Avenue Suite 100A
Aurora, CO 80011

IHop
7017 South Clinton St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Global Goods & Coffee Shop
5613 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.
Arvada, CO 80002

Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings in Denver

Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings focus on family members who are affected by the substance abuse of their loved ones. These meetings educate family members and provide support to them. Families often feel helpless as their loved ones spiral out of control, and these meetings give them a sense of belonging and offer support and helpful tools for coping with this hard situation.

Al-Anon
York Street Club
1311 York St.
Denver, CO 80206

Nar-Anon
Evanston Center
2122 South Lafayette
Denver, CO 80210

Rehab can be found throughout the United States. Be sure to choose the one that caters to your needs.

Addiction Resources in Nearby Colorado Cities

For those who are seeking alcohol and drug treatment facilities outside of Denver, Colorado, there are also many drug rehab resources across the state of Colorado: